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Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Week 4 Wimba
I am also fortunate to have a cousin who lives near by that I consider very savvy in the world of presentations, editing, writing, critiques, basically everything I needed in a critical eye to look over my project. I presented to her live and in person last night and she took some wonderful notes and gave me critical feedback when I was finished. She suggested that I explain some of the acronyms that I used in my presentation, such as explaining what EMDT means. She also suggested that I somehow supply my audience with a list of all the wonderful Web 2.0 tools that I speak of. I mention several times that there are tons of free tools out there, but only elaborate on two of the ones that I used most. I am thinking to add a Wordle slide with names of the tools I learned about, and perhaps try to add some more graphics. She said she likes that I referenced articles and sources within the presentation.
I am thankful to have gotten such good suggestions, I think with these in my pocket I will be able to get my presentation right where it needs to be!
MAC Week 4 Final Leadership Post
Week 1 Leadership Post:
http://kmycakes.blogspot.com/2012/03/wk1-leadership-blog-post-leadership.html
Week 2 Leadership Post:
http://kmycakes.blogspot.com/2012/03/mac-week-2-write-or-presentthe-lesser.html
Week 3 Leadership Post:
http://kmycakes.blogspot.com/2012/03/mac-week-3-leadership-post.html
Click below to view my presentation and speaker notes:
Engagement Through Technology
MAC Week 4 Response to Hunter's Blogtastic Blog
Original Post:
And then when Benjamin shares the story of Cora his 2nd chair violinist, he really opens up his soul. He shows us that he didn’t always have this ‘Pure Care.’ He once was, let’s say, in development. Cora changed his life for the better because she stood for something that mattered to her. He lost her in his orchestra and that is what caused a paradigm shift to create the Benjamin we know today. So what am I really saying? We all need to stand up right now, put our hand over our heart, and say, “Thank you Cora.”
My Response:
Week 4 Review of ‘The Art of Possibilities’
'Benjamin is My Star Hero!'
Benjamin Zander, author of 'The Art of Possibilities,' is one of those rare individuals who truly ‘Cares’. Is must be a rare gene strand of DNA? He shows this care by placing his visiting students on the stage near his orchestra so they could experience the truest form of ‘passion’ and orchestral performance. These students had already sat for a few hours in previous meetings and now they were going to sit through a concert – they might fidget and be distracting, yet they knew Benjamin was giving them a gift of a lifetime and they were perfect. That takes intuition and a lot of trust. When do we ever go out on a limb like that in the aspect of trusting someone?
My Response:
Kimberly DuranMar 24, 2012 01:07 PM
Hunter,
I love that we had the chance to experience this amazing piece of literature and were asked to blog about it. It is so interesting to read what others honed in on, which parts of the book hit them hard, and how they felt about the different stories. Cora's story was definitely awe inspiring. Wouldn't it be great if she was there for dinner when we go! Really love the photo that you put with this one =)
I love that we had the chance to experience this amazing piece of literature and were asked to blog about it. It is so interesting to read what others honed in on, which parts of the book hit them hard, and how they felt about the different stories. Cora's story was definitely awe inspiring. Wouldn't it be great if she was there for dinner when we go! Really love the photo that you put with this one =)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
MAC Week 4 Response to Stephanie Waldner's Blog
MAC Week 4: Reading Post
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover with the exception of the chapter entitled...becoming the board. This chapter made me feel so conflicted with accepting that you are a part of what happens in your life instead of being a victim. I can see this being true or okay was somethings. There is the phrase "people cause their own drama" but I don't believe that this applies to all situations. Sometimes bad things can just happen.
In my continued reading, the story of the artist Alice Kahana really pulled at my heartstrings. Anyone can think about what they have seen in movies and pictures about the situation she was in with her little brother, but when I had just graduated high school I went backpacking through Europe and my friend and I chose to visit both Auschwitz while in Poland. I can only imagine how that last thing that she said to her brother changed her "vision" after going to that place. It is a moment in my life that I would never forget.
At the end of that same chapter (11), the words Marianne Williamson wrote made me cry. That is being printed and going not only in my classroom but in a frame in each of my children's rooms to remind them that they need to shine.
In my continued reading, the story of the artist Alice Kahana really pulled at my heartstrings. Anyone can think about what they have seen in movies and pictures about the situation she was in with her little brother, but when I had just graduated high school I went backpacking through Europe and my friend and I chose to visit both Auschwitz while in Poland. I can only imagine how that last thing that she said to her brother changed her "vision" after going to that place. It is a moment in my life that I would never forget.
At the end of that same chapter (11), the words Marianne Williamson wrote made me cry. That is being printed and going not only in my classroom but in a frame in each of my children's rooms to remind them that they need to shine.
My Response:
1 comments:
Stephanie,
I am with you on enjoying the book from cover to cover, I have actually started to re read some chapters, ones that I thought would be most beneficial to my co-workers so that I could share at our next staff meeting.
I agree with you as well that sometimes "bad" things DO just happen. This is something that is so hard to accept and so difficult for kids to understand especially I think. They always tend to blame themselves or dwell on the why me aspect of bad situations. Your trip to Auschwitz sounds like it was amazing, I had a similar experience when I visited an old concentration camp site. It's like you could still feel all that had happened there.
Thanks for all that you have shared this month and for the past year we have been on this journey.
I am with you on enjoying the book from cover to cover, I have actually started to re read some chapters, ones that I thought would be most beneficial to my co-workers so that I could share at our next staff meeting.
I agree with you as well that sometimes "bad" things DO just happen. This is something that is so hard to accept and so difficult for kids to understand especially I think. They always tend to blame themselves or dwell on the why me aspect of bad situations. Your trip to Auschwitz sounds like it was amazing, I had a similar experience when I visited an old concentration camp site. It's like you could still feel all that had happened there.
Thanks for all that you have shared this month and for the past year we have been on this journey.
Monday, March 19, 2012
MAC Week 4 Reading Post
Chapter 12 really sparked so many thoughts in me this week. Often times in education,or at least the trainings I've been to the past few years, we practice "I" messages. Telling our students what "I" need to see happen, or what "I" would like to see happen rather than just telling kids what "they" need to do. "I" messages seem to be all the rage at my school even, and I didn't realize until I read this chapter about the We story. The "I" messages have worked decently, but what a concept to make it about we to show that I am there in support of my students, staff, and other co workers. I even tested it out today on one of my tutors that is a college student, and it worked so wonderfully. He really felt a part of the decision making process, and felt as though "we" (he and I) found a solution to something. I could totally see his confidence shift. It was astounding, truly. I really want to practice this more. I must deprogram my brain from the "I" message and allow the WE to sing out of my mouth!! What a great way to end this amazing piece of literature. This week I will begin my transformation from I to we.....!!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
MAC Week 3 Leadership Post
I think my first choice of presentation venue that I would like to try and submit my work to would be ISTE. This is my number one choice because ISTE is focused on the use of technology in education. With the direction that education is going, and my school that I teach at is going, I would really love to be a part of a conference like this one. The experience alone and the information I'm sure I would get to see and hear would be absolutely priceless. The next place I would love to present my work would be AVID Summer Institute. I know this is not on the list, but my CBR project involved AVID students as my target audience. AVID strategies were involved, and we took so much to a new level with the use of technology, I would really love to share these things with other AVID teachers so that they could use all the amazing tools I learned about through this program, and share the information with them on a national level. People from all over the United States come to AVID Summer Institute, and one of the most loved aspects is idea sharing with other educators. I think the experience would be amazing.
MAC Week 3 Response to Stephanie Waldner's Blog
Original Post:
Rule Number 6: Letting go and realizing that everything doesn't need to be so serious. For me, this is the hardest thing to think about. I immediately think of my many to do lists with school, family, kids' schedules...Then I think what if I didn't take everything so seriously? Would everything fall apart? I'm always told how I'm the one who has it together, and the one that everyone relies on. So if I didn't take things as seriously would I still be that person? My calculating self feels like the one in control most of the time and to answer the question; What would have to change for me to be completely fulfilled? That is one that I think will need to be discovered on a quiet day when I can be by myself.
The other chapter that strikes home is The Way Things Are. One of my favorite phrases is Its All Good. My husband has even told me that when he hears that phrase, he gets a sense of calm even at his most stressful situations. Growing up, I always had anxiety issues. My elementary guidance counselor was a great resource for me. He taught me to look at what was in the "right now" not "what if." That is still one of my most un-liked phrases---and is bared from my classroom!
My Response:
MAC Week 3: Reading Post
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| Imaged created by digitalart |
The other chapter that strikes home is The Way Things Are. One of my favorite phrases is Its All Good. My husband has even told me that when he hears that phrase, he gets a sense of calm even at his most stressful situations. Growing up, I always had anxiety issues. My elementary guidance counselor was a great resource for me. He taught me to look at what was in the "right now" not "what if." That is still one of my most un-liked phrases---and is bared from my classroom!
My Response:
I used to be just like you with the taking everything so seriously all the time, and feeling freaked out at the thought of not stressing over things all the time. Will everything fall apart? Certainly not Stephanie, it will just take time for you to realize that things will be ok. I had to learn this lesson this year and certainly would have loved to have had this book before I made the decision to let go, it definitely would have helped with the transition. I really enjoy reading each others blogs, seems like every week I realize more and more things I have in common with you guys. Thank you for sharing =)
Friday, March 16, 2012
MAC Week 3-My Response to Blogged on Phonics by Hunter
Original Post:
MAC Wk 3: The Art of Possibilities, Chapters 5 - 8
The Infinite Possibilities Tube!
Benjamin Zander, YOU awaken the mind in a refreshing way like no other. I live to awaken the possibility within others. The truth is, if people are at a level 4 out of 10 in their life of possibilities, they cannot just jump to level 9 or 10. They must go through level 5, 6, 7, and 8 first. That takes so much time and so much care. Benjamin, you smile as you speak and I can tell that you smile when you write. How did you even conceive having students write about who they will become by the end of the year? That is pure genius. You are transforming souls, not just minds. You tell us to stay away from the downward spiraling conversations. You applaud the greatest leaders who have the ability to distinguish the downward spiral and move people to empowering radiating possibilities. If you were in charge of the planet, there would be world peace! Do you want everyone to just love their neighbor as themselves? Well, please sign me up! And then your chapter, ‘How much greatness are we willing to grant?’ Ok., how did you invent that title?! We must have lunch. We can eat at ‘Rule Number 6.’ They have an excellent strudel there. You are the problem-solver of the world, and Roz probably taught you everything you know, of course (wink wink). Thank you for intervening to help so many people out there. I’m offering help whenever needed. Hey, that’s what great friends are for! Let’s do lunch soon – my treat for sure! - Hunter
My Response:
Once again smiling and chuckling as I read your blog post. This book is just so amazing isn't it? So awesome that we are all enjoying it so much. You and I are having a lot of the same takes on the chapters. So thankful that this literature was shared with us. I surely wish I had read this book before this school year because so many of the concepts shared would have been great for me to use early on-like the writing about who you will become by the end of the year that you mention and many others. I definitely will be incorporating a lot of these ideas into my classroom atmosphere next year, truly looking forward to it. The small amount that I have been able to work in the past couple weeks has been so great!! Again, glad to see you are having so much fun with it too =)
MAC Week 3 Reading Post-That'll do Pig
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Week 3 Wimba Post
Sunday, March 11, 2012
MAC Week 2: Write or Present...the Lesser of Two Evils
On one hand, writing has been some what of a struggle for me throughout this program. I have not before EMDT been required to write APA style and it has been a challenge getting my work to the point it is currently at. I am proud of my growth in this area, however know that I have a long way to go. Part of me wants to choose the writing option as this is something I want to further strengthen and get better at.
On the other hand, presenting has been something I have been working at getting better at for some time too. I used to loathe the thought of speaking in front of an audience of anyone that was not a middle school student. Open House and Meet the Teacher night at my school was filled with the thoughts of anxiety, clammy hands, and sweaty arm pits! However, a wonderful mentor of mine began forcing me into situations such as running staff developments, parent nights, etc. I still get nervous but feel as though this is something I am getting better at and want to continue to improve on. The presentation option would also contain writing in the speaker notes, and so I think I would like to give the presentation a go. I will present my Capstone Project and hopefully as a result gain more confidence in my skills!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Response to Hunter's Blogtastic Blog
The Art of Possibilities - Chapter 1 to 4
MY RESPONSE:
I feel like I know you well enough now that I can hear your voice as I read this post. I can totally see you cracking a smile and having a slight chuckle every couple pages. I couldn't agree more. This book was such an awesome and entertaining read. I took so much of this immediately back to my job and into my classroom. Awesome stuff!!! I will join you at their dinner table anytime. I can just imagine the conversation that goes on, actually getting to see the games in action-and then you added to the mix would be absolutely priceless. Let me know when you're headed to the Zander's house, I'll meet you there!!
Kimberly
Response to Berengaria's Reading Post
Week 2 MAC Reading Post – The Art of Possibility
I started reading The Art of Possibility by Roz and Ben Zander last night. Originally, I intended to get through the assignment or as much of it as I could which was the first four chapters. I started late after the Wimba session and ended up finishing the book at 2am. I enjoyed the light and often amusing tone of the book as well as the change of voice between husband and wife. Each one’s style was very distinctive and enriched the other. I would not call this a self-help book but rather a different way of looking at leadership, mentorship, and life both personally and professionally.
Don’t get me wrong, this was not a Pollyanna vision of sweetness and light and there are some heart-wrenching points in the narratives. Both Ben and Roz are very human and very honest about some of their own actions and motivations. The book is about recognizing your own assumptions and constructions, about seeing more clearly your own underlying motivations, and choosing to sweep away your imagined view of people and events. By doing this you open up possibilities for yourself and others to construct strong healthy relationships and be contributions.
The chapter on the way things are had me saying, “Yes, absolutely.” It rang true on many levels but was particularly relevant because my director and I are writing our progress report to the federal government for our grant. It starts out with objectives and accomplishments and then moves to barriers and how you overcame them. A year ago when we were just starting out and had to do the report based on almost no concrete activities, we were saying, “What barriers, we only have possibilities.” We had to brainstorm for potential obstacles that we could build into barriers just to put something in the report. This year we again struggled because our viewpoint is that ‘this’ is the landscape we work within; we want to get to this point here; what do we do, who do we work with to get there. We don’t really see barriers but rather the way things are and where we want to be. It’s worked very well for us.
At that point, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I also saw the negative in some of my personal and professional behaviors. Some of these are situations I viewed as probably unchangeable and have now been forced to recognize my own conceit. The ideas and practices in the book are practical, make good sense, and are very doable. They also take practice and thoughtfulness and I mean thoughtfulness in the sense of being aware of one’s actions and behaviors, and thinking before responding. Despite being a little tired, I was in excellent spirits this morning and am buying several copies of the book for colleagues. I have read several good books on change but this is the first one that really resonated all the way through for me.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Week 2 Mac Reading Post
I really enjoyed the section about inventing yourself as a contribution, and even posted the steps in my classroom and it’s been a powerful thing:
1. Declare yourself to be a contribution
2. Throw yourself into life as someone who makes a difference, accepting that you may not understand how or why.
A lot of my students are lacking confidence and I am always looking for new ways to find to let them know that they are important, and that their thoughts are meaningful, and THEY are meaningful, that they have a place in this world! Chapter 4 really just fell right in where I have been trying to go with this and I have really enjoyed learning things like this throughout this program. Things that I can take immediately back to my classroom and see it make in impact instantly. The students get a kick out of me sharing stuff from my Master’s program with them, and allowing them to be involved and learn through the different things that I have been doing.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Wk 1 Mac Wimba Archive
Well, I can definitely start off by saying that I CANNOT miss anymore Wimba sessions in this class! Come heck or high water I need to make it. I say this because it seems as though so much information was gone over, and a lot of it I had questions on. The leadership project definitely has me a bit shook, so I would have liked to be present to ask initial questions on that, however I know we will speak of it more in the future. It was helpful to go over everything that we will be doing this month because it is a lot! I try to work ahead and was a little confused on all of the blog posts that we are required to do this month, however the Wimba session explanations cleared the confusion right up for me. Things got pretty real when it was mentioned that those that are not prepared by week 3 of this month will not go on to month 12 of the program! Not that I am a slacker, or feel as though I will not be ready...it just made me realize how close graduation is and that my CBR needs to be in tip top shape ASAP!! No extensions possible because that will throw off completion of the program dates! I mean all of this just screamed "holy cow, the finish line really is RIGHT there!!!". I'm looking forward to another great month of learning new things!!
Wk1 Leadership Blog Post: Leadership Role Model:
I have learned so much about leadership through being a teacher. I have learned a lot from my principal, but my students as well have shown me so many valuable things. My principal has so many great qualities that I strive for, and would reach for when placed in a leadership position. He is a good boss and a great principal. So often I think that this is difficult to achieve. I know you can never please everybody, however he comes pretty darn close. Dr. Cartwright seeks first to understand before he brings about change. He definitely does his research on what the needs of our school are (including both staff and students) and does his best to consistently put into action anything that we need. He is also very open minded, which I think is a great strength in a good leader. The ability to be open minded to others ideas that are brought to the table, knowing that even though you are in a position of power, this does not mean that you know everything there is to know. He includes the staff and students in many decisions for the school, making us feel like we have ownership in the culture of our work place, rather than coming in and doing what we're told type feel. Dr. Cartwright also tries to stay on the cutting edge of everything going on in education. He makes sure that we are trained and aware of it, and has our school pilot and new programs or strategies that might be out there so that we are abreast of all new ideas. Through all of these things Dr. Cartwright is always challenging us, educating us, pushing us to be the best we can be. Giving us the opportunity to grow and accomplish makes him a great leader. For all of the qualities of his that I mentioned, I respect and see him as an amazing leader and am thankful to be an observer in his world.
My Comment to Ms. Williams Wonderful Wonders
MAC Week 1: Reading Entry for Copyright Issues
Wow!! What a great piece of work. Is it copyrighted?
Jonnie,
First off, I really love the pictures that you put with all of your posts-really inspired me to seek out visuals to put with mine as well, really gives your blog an extra something!! I like how you put the fact in your copyright post about King Charles. I bet this is something that a lot of people don't know, and I know a lot of my students probably don't know either. They love learning little facts like this, and you mentioning it made me think to share this with them this week. It is perfect timing as the whole 8th grade has been working on a writing unit due to the fact that they just took the state writing exam. Until I watched this week's videos I did not realize either how many things are actually copyrighted and as you mentioned, just because it doesn't have have a copyright notice attached doesn't mean that the work has not been copyrighted. This was also news to me! So many things to learn, so little time!!
My Comment for Hunter on Blogged on Phonics
Copyright Trifecta!
Ok, how do we measure up in the copyright world? When I think of copyrights, I think of honor and trust. I respect people and their creations, because I hope that others respect my original works. I have submitted hundreds of items to be copyrighted and have studied these laws for several years. Copyrights give a creator the ability to enforce or restrict others from using something that the creator has previously invented. I love when someone creates something novel – wow, that alone, is what life is about. Original thought instead of others’ thoughts intrigues me. I have sat in meetings and heard people who only spout lots and lots of other people’s ideas from books that they have read. They are impressive and quite amazing sometimes; however, they are not original ideas. I am thankful for those who have unique and solid opinions. I appreciate those who birth new concepts – patentable, trademarkable, and copyrightable! Wow, I crave a conversation with them. Talks like that cause an hour or two to go by and it only seems like ten minutes. I believe that we should help protect each other’s work. We should report infringement to help the authors of the world. Originally inspired authors are very rare and valuable. It bothers me to find out that hit, star writers sometimes only get about 1% of the income from their works. That is because entrepreneurs get involved and take the lion’s share of the income. I guess 1% is better than 0% if the project would not have been published for anyone to see, hear, or experience it. The truth is that I tend to hang out with the creators more than the business types. What would I be like if I reversed that? Wow, which one do you hang out with more?
Hunter,
I love the way your brain works, and how you stated the creators verses the business types! I would say that a lot of my friend circle tends to be the creators as well, however they may end up in the 0% area that you spoke of because a lot of times I don't see people with enough confidence in their ideas. Confidence to KNOW that something they came up with is worth sharing outside the realms of our school and their classroom. I too love primary sources of ideas and information, it is so extremely inspirational!
I also enjoyed how you compared copyright to honor and trust. When I read that, I though...exactly! I mean who doesn't love to give shout outs-which is the honor part-giving credit where credit is due. Trusting the world with your ideas deserve respect and honor for sure!!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Week 1: MAC Reading Post
Copyright issues, and why my butt is scared!!
Wow, so plagiarism and copyright issues has become something of a topic on campus at my school. Trying to teach the children about these topics has become somewhat of a challenging task, and now that I've seen the copyright videos, I'm not sure whether I'm more or less comfortable with what I've shared with my students so far and how to continue on.
The duration of copyright was somewhat news to me, I've always wondered once something has been copyrighted, how long does this actually last for? This is a question that I actually have been asked by my students, so it's nice to have a definitive answer now.
It seemed to me at first that there was a lot of elasticity to the whole idea of fair use. However, after hearing our instructor's explanation of it and it's "narrow loophole" i began to understand it much better. The use of the cartoon movie to explain it was extremely helpful, once I was halfway through it I felt as though I really had a grasp on the concept. Creative ways to teach these types of ideas makes all the difference in the world to me. And who doesn't love Disney movies?!?
Creative Commons was taught to me early on in this degree program. I guess I have used it in the past, but never realized that there was actually a name behind the practice. I think it's a great way to be able use materials and also pay homage to the person who created it through giving them credit.
Wow, so plagiarism and copyright issues has become something of a topic on campus at my school. Trying to teach the children about these topics has become somewhat of a challenging task, and now that I've seen the copyright videos, I'm not sure whether I'm more or less comfortable with what I've shared with my students so far and how to continue on.
The duration of copyright was somewhat news to me, I've always wondered once something has been copyrighted, how long does this actually last for? This is a question that I actually have been asked by my students, so it's nice to have a definitive answer now.
It seemed to me at first that there was a lot of elasticity to the whole idea of fair use. However, after hearing our instructor's explanation of it and it's "narrow loophole" i began to understand it much better. The use of the cartoon movie to explain it was extremely helpful, once I was halfway through it I felt as though I really had a grasp on the concept. Creative ways to teach these types of ideas makes all the difference in the world to me. And who doesn't love Disney movies?!?
Creative Commons was taught to me early on in this degree program. I guess I have used it in the past, but never realized that there was actually a name behind the practice. I think it's a great way to be able use materials and also pay homage to the person who created it through giving them credit.
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